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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 08/10/1992UTILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Port Angeles, Washington August 10, 1992 Call to Order: Vice Chairman Hunt called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m. II. Roll Call: Members Present: Jim Hallett (arrived at 4:36 p.m.), Thomas Hunt, Gary Braun, Joe Michalczik (arrived at 5:10 p.m.), and Richard Wight. Members Absent: None Staff Present: B. Titus and B. Upton. III. Approval of Minutem Councilman Braun moved to approve the minutes of the July 13, 1992 meeting as written. The motion was seconded by Thomas Hunt and carried by a majority vote, with Councilman Wight abstaining. IV. Discussion Items: A. Update on Service Territory Agreement with PUD City Light Director Titus presented the proposed electrical service area agreement with the PUD, the contents of which he reviewed in detail. He also displayed a map showing the areas within the City which are currently being served by the PUD. There are two classifications set forth: those which the City would offer service to within 120 days and others which the City would offer service to over a period of three years. Lengthy discussion followed concerning the hold harmless portion of the agreement; some concern was expressed that the City would accept facilities "as is"; however, Director Titus indicated the PUD would be responsible for advising the City of any problems or faulty systems which might he anticipated. Further, the City is to be advised of the age of facilities. Director Titus noted the City would have added protection in that if the PUD was aware of a problem and didn't so advise the City and an unsafe condition was discovered, the PUD would not be released from liability. Consideration was given to future annexations and the requirements of the Growth Management -1- Utility Advisory Committee August 10, 1992 Act as pertains to the provision of City utilities. The Committee examined the agreement language whereby the City would provide service within twelve months, and Director Titus explained he felt it to be workable for staff. In addition, he pointed out the City must have a plan written in conjunction with providing service to the Urban Growth Area. Discussion was held concerning specific areas projected for City services, and Director Titus reviewed how the City may interface with PUD on certain areas. Further, specific occasions may arise where the City would still provide services outside the City limits or where it may be preferable for the PUD to continue providing service within the City. Director Titus explained scenarios which may involve the City wheeling to the PUD or the PUD wheeling to the City. Director Titus responded to a question by advising the members of the UAC that the anticipated expenditure is in excess of $400,000 and has been budgeted. Further, he supported the proposed formula and noted the specific cost figures are being calculated at this time. Thomas Hunt moved to recommend that the City Council approve the electrical service area agreement in concept. Councilman Wight seconded the motion, subject to the inclusion of language that approval is subject to an agreement being reached on details of financial compensation. Thomas Hunt agreed and a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. B. Discussion on Need for a Second Apprentice Lineman Director Titus reviewed the information pertinent to the need for a second apprentice lineman, which he hoped would receive approval for inclusion in the 1993 budget. He explained the need for a second apprentice has been created by virtue of workload, new regulations, as well as turnover in the department. Another matter worthy of consideration is that of safety and State requirements whereby there should be more than one employee assigned to certain tasks. Discussion followed and Joe Michalczik cautioned against allowing a buddy system to take hold where two employees are doing the work of one. Councilman Wight supported the added position because the utility is expanding and will be needing more help. Further, he explained the City's previous position in support of the apprentice program with the hope of helping local youth enter the program. After further discussion, Councilman Braun moved to recommend that a second apprentice lineman position be included in the 1993 budget. The motion was seconded by Thomas Hunt and carried unanimously. Councilman Wight commented on the City's history of internal upward mobility; he expressed the opinion that such a position can be extremely therapeutic to an organization. -2- Utility Advisory Committee August 10, 1992 V. Late Items: A. Tree Trimming Service Councilman Wight reviewed a conversation held with a local tree trimming service and the fact that local companies don't have appropriate training and certification to qualify for work around high voltage. Councilman Wight asked that staff investigate the possibility of the City and possibly the PUD being of assistance in some fashion in order to help these companies become certified. Director Titus suggested the companies may wish to hire someone already certified. B. PPC's Intervention in Salmon Lawsuit Director Titus distributed and explained a memorandum announcing that the Public Power Council has moved to intervene in a lawsuit recently initiated by the Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund which has charged that the government has failed to take sufficient steps to protect threatened and endangered Snake River salmon by not providing sufficient flows. The PPC disagrees with the allegations and has asked for permission to intervene in order to file a legal rebuttal. C. Billing Credits and Electric Rate Increase Director Titus advised the members of the UAC that two previously discussed issues will be placed on the next City Council agenda: billing credits and an electric rate increase. VII. Next Meeting: Because of the Labor Day Holiday, the next meeting of the Utility Advisory Committee will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 1992, at 4:30 p.m. VIII. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m. ? -3-